Hugh Jackman Drops Out of Broadway's Houdini

Hugh Jackman has dropped out of the upcoming Broadway production of Houdini.

The 45-year-old Australian actor was due to take on the leading role as the legendary escape artist, Harry Houdini, in the eagerly anticipated show in New York City next year, but he will no longer be taking on the project because of his busy schedule.

The Wolverine star issued a statement saying: "I have greatly enjoyed the collaborative process on Houdini. Ultimately, though, I wasn't able to commit to the time this role will require."

The actor, who won a Tony Award for best actor in a musical in 2004 for The Boy from Oz in which he performed for a year, added: "I have tremendous respect and admiration for the creative team and I wish everyone the best. I know they're well on their way to making something extraordinary."

Hugh signed on to star in the project in January 2012 but just weeks later The Newsroom creator, Aaron Sorkin, who was also due to work on the production, dropped out.

He also blamed a conflict in his schedule but Venus in Fur playwright, David Ives, and Hairspray director, Jack O'Brien, are now attached to the project.

The show's lead producer, Scott Sanders, insisted that the production would continue without Hugh, according to People.com.

He said: "Hugh has been terrific to have on this part of the journey. We will continue to move forward with our remarkable creative team, as they craft this ambitious new musical."

So that's that. In the meantime, can we all just take a few seconds to appreciate how hot Hugh looks?!